Presents for Big Sister

I was concerned that Gabi would not get enough attention and feel left out once baby Anna arrived, so we asked Gramma Jane to come stay with us for the first few weeks of Anna's life. Gabi loves her Gramma Jane, but we have discovered that even Gramma isn't the same as a parent. Gabi has done very well with a new sibling in the house, but she does guard her "parent time" jealously now, especially at bedtime -- she needs either Mommy or Daddy to sing her to sleep each night. I certainly understand how Gabi feels, as she had ALL the parent time leading up to Anna's birth, but I hope that she doesn't think she is unwelcome. I bought her some presents to help her feel special, too, when all the attention seems to be shining on little sister.


Great-grandmother Mama Marcia also sent Big Sister Gabi a present --
this new book, which Gabi read at least a dozen times just in the first day.


Great-grandmother Mama Marcia crocheted this blanket for Anna.
Above, Anna is sporting one of the baby shower onesies made just for her. Last month, the mommies from Gabi's playgroup held a baby shower in anticipation of the arrival of Gabi's sister and Jonah's brother. We all made little art projects -- each Mommy decorated a onesie or a tote bag, which were the shower gifts. Newborns are so little that even the 0-3 month outfits swallow them up, so the best clothing for little Anna at the moment is either a onesie or a hospital shirt.


We moved Gabi to a twin bed, because the toddler bed was using the crib mattress.


Gabi got new sheets for her big-girl bed!


Gabi opening her "big sister" present from Mommy and Daddy.
What did you get? "Yellow!" (Silly Gabi!)


It's a game!
(Gabi wasn't actually quite sure what a game is. She expected a book.)


Gramma Jane and Daddy playing Gabi's new game with her.
We bought Gabi a counting/matching game that involves matching animal pictures and categorizing animals by mode of travel (swimmers, flyers, walkers, and climbers). She loves it! We've certainly played it many times in the past couple of days. It's good "parent time" for Gabi girl, too.


Gabi and Mommy playing her new game.
Gabi's grandparents are also thinking of the new big sister. Gramma Jane made a doll blanket for Anna to give to Gabi, and Lolo & Lola sent Gabi and Anna a package in the mail.


More dishes for Gabi's kitchen!
(also good to use during coveted "parent time")


"I'm a bear," Gabi says as she wears her new
hooded toddler bath towel (with ears!).